Family Sues NC Sheriff For Inmate's Overdose Death

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The family of an inmate who died of a drug overdose in the Wake County jail two years ago has sued the sheriff.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that the family of 19-year-old Ralph Madison Stockton IV has sued Sheriff Donnie Harrison, Wake County and 16 county employees.

The lawsuit says the sheriff and his employees failed to take steps that might have prevented Stockton's death.

The lawsuit says Stockton showed signs he was on drugs but was not properly monitored before he was found dead.

Sheriff's Capt. Jimmy Stevens said the department would have no comment with the lawsuit pending. The department has previously said that deputies and jail staff did not contribute to Stockton's death.